POE Experiences

[Rhiannon 0]

Hey everybody -

My fiance Michael recently came into the country (we're getting married in a few weeks) and we thought we'd post his experience telling the officer his intentions...

He brought a nice pile of documentation, namely: acceptance letter into college into Canada, student visa for Canada, proof of flight out to Ontario, proof of currency exchanges, proof of mortgage in Scotland (where he previously lived).

When he got to the POE officer, when asked his reason for entering the States, he immediately said that he was getting married and then going to Canada for school. Officer got a bit snippy and asked to see documentation (only interested in the letter, the visa, and the flight.). Here's a good example of how we need to use very precise language with these people.

Officer: So, how many times have you been to the states?

Michael: Twice in the last twelve months.

Officer: (looking at the passport) How long were you in the states in October?

Michael: About ten days.

Officer: And how long in April?

Michael: We were there for about twelve days.

Officer: So, was your fiance living in Ireland?

MIchael: No, she lives in the states, and i was visiting her there.

Officer: But you said "we" visited there.

Michael: I meant, that we were together for twelve days.

Officer: Okay (but visibly irritated).

The thing was was that i had been visiting him in april, so we flew over together, which was what was in Michael's head when he answered the question, but the officer jumped all over it. Word choice!!! so important.

Officer: What's your current profession?

Michael: I'm unemployed.

Officer: (very irritated) Please answer the question, sir.

Michael: I don't have a job just now.

Officer: What was the last job you did in Scotland?

To which he talked about his last job as a teacher, and then she sent him off to the second interview with another officer.

That one went fine, she was friendly and wasn't trying to tie him up in language; she asked the same questions and asked to see the documentation. She did note that he wouldn't be in the states for 60 days before getting married, to which he replied that since he was leaving immediately after the wedding, and then filing, and not planning on returning during the process, he knew what he was doing was legal, and she was fine with that.

Hope this is helpful to folks! Be very precise when dealing with these guys.

Together at last, (at least for present)

Rhi and Mike

[misa 2]

Glad he made it through okay!

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

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Thanks!